The Cammino del Verismo: A 110 km Journey Through Six Sicilian Villages

A new cultural trail winds through southeastern Sicily, following in the footsteps of Giovanni Verga and Luigi Capuana. The Cammino del Verismo is a route of approximately 110 kilometres connecting six towns and villages, offering a journey through rural landscapes, historic streets and places that inspired two of Sicily’s most celebrated writers.

Sicily has a new experience to offer travellers who enjoy exploring at a slower pace, away from the island’s most popular tourist destinations.

Known as the Cammino del Verismo – In the Footsteps of Verga and Capuana, this new cultural route invites visitors to discover a lesser-known side of Sicily through its literature, traditions and landscapes.

Officially inaugurated on 7 October 2026, the trail was developed as part of the Giovanni Verga and Luigi Capuana Literary Park and crosses the Calatino and Hyblaean areas of southeastern Sicily.

The initiative aims to celebrate Sicily’s literary heritage while promoting sustainable tourism and supporting local communities.

Which Six Sicilian Villages Are Included in the Cammino del Verismo?

The route connects six destinations, each offering its own history, cultural heritage and distinctive landscapes.

Vizzini (Catania) – One of the places most closely associated with Giovanni Verga’s literary world. Its narrow streets, historic buildings and surrounding countryside evoke the atmosphere of his stories. A particularly fascinating location is Cunziria, a former settlement associated with leather tanning that has also served as a filming location for adaptations inspired by Verga’s works.

Mineo (Catania) – The birthplace of Luigi Capuana, Mineo maintains a strong connection with the writer and the Verismo literary movement. Its historic centre offers visitors an opportunity to explore the cultural legacy of one of Italy’s most influential literary figures.

Licodia Eubea (Catania) – Perched among the hills of the Calatino area, this charming town is known for its panoramic views, historic landmarks and rural surroundings, which reflect the traditional character of inland Sicily.

Militello in Val di Catania (Catania) – Famous for its remarkable Baroque architecture, Militello is home to monuments included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto.

Monterosso Almo (Ragusa) – Nestled in the Hyblaean Mountains, this small town offers historic streets, traditional architecture and beautiful natural scenery, making it an appealing destination for travellers seeking places away from the crowds.

Buccheri (Syracuse) – Surrounded by the landscapes of the Hyblaean Mountains, Buccheri is known for its natural beauty, local traditions and strong connection to Sicily’s rural heritage.

Together, these six destinations form a cultural journey through some of the island’s most authentic and lesser-explored areas.

Following in the Footsteps of Giovanni Verga and Luigi Capuana

The Cammino del Verismo is much more than a walking route connecting several Sicilian towns.

What makes this itinerary particularly interesting is the relationship between literature and the landscapes that inspired it.

Giovanni Verga and Luigi Capuana were among the leading figures of Italian Verismo, a literary movement that sought to portray everyday life, social relationships and the realities of ordinary people.

Their works frequently explored Sicilian society, traditions and rural communities, creating literary portraits of a world deeply connected to the island’s identity.

Travelling through the places associated with these writers offers visitors a different perspective on Sicily, allowing them to discover the landscapes, villages and traditions that shaped their stories.

One of the most significant locations along the route is Cunziria in Vizzini, the historic settlement chosen to host the official presentation of the Cammino del Verismo.

Its traditional stone buildings and fascinating history make it a remarkable example of Sicily’s cultural and architectural heritage.

A New Opportunity for Slow Tourism in Sicily

The Cammino del Verismo reflects the growing interest in slow tourism, an approach to travel that encourages visitors to spend more time exploring destinations and connecting with local communities.

Rather than focusing exclusively on famous attractions, this type of tourism highlights smaller towns, local traditions, cultural experiences and natural landscapes.

The project also aims to create opportunities for the communities involved by encouraging cooperation between municipalities and promoting the cultural identity of inland Sicily.

Initially developed through collaboration between Vizzini, Mineo and Licodia Eubea, the initiative was subsequently expanded to include Militello in Val di Catania, Monterosso Almo and Buccheri.

By bringing these six destinations together, the Cammino del Verismo offers a new way to experience the island’s history, literature and rural landscapes.

When Was the Cammino del Verismo Inaugurated?

The official inauguration took place on Wednesday, 7 October 2026.

The celebrations began in Licodia Eubea, in Piazza Garibaldi, with the unveiling of the first commemorative plaque along the route.

The programme then continued in Cunziria, Vizzini, where the project was officially presented.

According to the organisers, the route covers approximately 110 kilometres, although some announcements provide a more precise distance of around 107 kilometres.

Travellers interested in exploring the Cammino del Verismo should consult updates from the Giovanni Verga and Luigi Capuana Literary Park for information about individual stages, route maps, signage and practical travel arrangements.

Discovering a Different Side of Sicily

With its historic villages, ancient traditions and landscapes shaped by centuries of rural life, the Cammino del Verismo offers a new opportunity to explore Sicily beyond the usual tourist routes.

It is a journey that combines cultural discovery with the pleasure of travelling through places where literature and local identity remain closely connected.

For visitors interested in Sicilian history, walking holidays and authentic destinations, this new trail represents another reason to explore the island’s extraordinary inland heritage.

The Cammino del Verismo is an invitation to slow down, discover lesser-known Sicilian villages and experience the landscapes that inspired some of Italy’s greatest literary works.